The Ruaha chat is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in western Tanzania, eastern Rwanda, Burundi, and northern Zambia. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, and subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.
Region
East-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from western Tanzania through eastern Rwanda and Burundi to northern Zambia. It occupies dry savanna, open lowland grasslands, and upland grasslands, often with scattered shrubs or miombo edges. The species readily uses anthropogenic open areas such as burned grasslands, roadside verges, and lightly cultivated fields. It typically favors mosaic landscapes with bare patches for foraging and nearby perches such as rocks or termite mounds.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Ruaha chat is a small, ground-oriented chat of East-Central Africa, placed within the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae). It favors open, dry habitats where it often perches conspicuously on rocks, posts, or termite mounds before dropping to the ground to feed. Pairs defend territories during the breeding season and may use natural cavities or earthen banks for nesting. Its presence is often associated with burned or heavily grazed grasslands where prey is easier to spot.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, with pairs defending small territories during breeding. Nests are placed in cavities such as banks, holes, or natural crevices, lined with fine plant material. Outside the breeding season, small loose groups may form in good foraging areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp chat-like chacks and tacks used in contact and alarm. The song is a simple series of soft whistles and trills delivered from a perch, interspersed with harsher notes.
Plumage
Generally uniform and dark; males mostly glossy sooty-black, females dark brown with paler fringes giving a slightly mottled look. Juveniles show more obvious mottling and scaly edging. Plumage lacks strong patterning, appearing plain at distance, with subtle pale fringes on some feathers in fresh plumage.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as termites, ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Forages mostly on the ground by running and pouncing, occasionally making short sallies to catch flying insects. Often exploits recently burned or closely grazed areas where prey is exposed. May also glean from low shrubs and stones.
Preferred Environment
Open ground with scattered perches including termite mounds, rocks, and fence posts. Common along edges of dry savanna, miombo woodland clearings, and grassland plains, including lightly cultivated or fallow fields.
